Frequently asked questions
Registration
Can I register my camper for a camp different than the suggested grade ranges?
Your camper should be registered with the grade level that they are entering by fall school year 2018-2019. We have found that even if campers can keep up academically they are often left behind socially when they are placed in a camp intended for campers slightly older than themselves. We also custom create curriculum for each camp age range so the older campers are learning more difficult concepts and activities.
How do I register multiple children?
You must complete an order for each camper as we collect information that is specific to each child. If you are purchasing a new Bell membership and signing up multiple campers, please call 612-624-2345 to register and ensure you receive your member discount for both/all campers.
Will I be refunded if I cancel my registration?
Registrations are partially refundable. If you wish to withdraw from a camp after registering, you must do so at least two weeks prior to the first day of camp in order to receive a partial refund of the registration fee. $40 of the registration fee is considered a non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be given if a cancellation is made within the two-weeks before the first day of camp.
If we cancel a program: If for any reason the Bell Museum cancels your camp, you will receive a full refund of the registration fee or the opportunity to transfer to another camp if space is available. Notification will be given two weeks prior to the start date in the event that your camp is canceled.
General
What time do I drop-off and pick up my campers and do you have extended care?
Drop-off and Pick-up Times
(Extended hours available for additional fee)
All Day Camps
8:00-8:30 am to 4:30-5:00 pm; (7:30-8:00 am — $15/week) / (5:00-5:30 pm — $15/week)
Morning camps
8:00-8:30 am to 12:00-12:30 pm; (7:30-8:00 am — $15/week) / (12:30-1:00 pm — $15/week)
Afternoon camps
12:30 pm-1:00 pm to 4:30 pm-5:00 pm; (12:00-12:30 pm — $15/week) / (5:00-5:30 pm — $15/week)
What times do camps activities run?
For full-day camps, camp activities begin at 8:30am and end at 4:30pm. Morning half-day camp activities begin at 8:30am and end at 12:00pm. Afternoon half day camp activities begin at 1:00pm and end at 4:30pm
Where do I sign my camper in and out everyday?
Campers can be dropped off at the Bell’s Education Entrance off of Cleveland Avenue. A map will be posted soon, stay tuned.
Do I need to sign my camper in and out every day?
Yes, unless your camper is over the age of 12 and ONLY if we have a written, signed, and dated parent/guardian permission form submitted to the camp office in advance. The museum’s responsibility for each camper begins after sign in and ends at sign out each day. We use the sign in and out process to maintain camper safety and ensure that they are picked up only by the adults (with photo ID) that are designated to pick them up.
Can I accompany my child to camp?
If your camper is new to the camp experience or you are curious about what our camps are like, you are welcome to stay with your camper until lunchtime on the first day of camp. Due to parking restrictions, curbside parking is not available. If you do choose to stay with your child for the first half of the first day of camps, parking is available in our parking lot for $4/day.
Can I enter the museum and visit the galleries or shop while I am waiting for my camper?
If you wish to visit the Curiosity shop or wait in The Lounge, you do not need to pay admission. However, if you wish to visit the galleries, you will need to pay for admission unless you are a Bell member.
Can my camper coming to a ½ day of camp have lunch with the other campers?
For morning camp they can have lunch with the other campers if you pay for late pick up which is at 12:30-1:00 pm.
For afternoon camp they can have lunch with the other campers if you pay for early drop-off which is 12:00-12:30 pm.
*Campers who stay all day long or have sign up for a morning and afternoon camp ½ day camp in the same week, get to have lunch and play-time included.
How many campers are in each camp?
Kindergarten and first through second grade camps have a maximum of 16 students in each camp. All other camps have a maximum of 18 students.
Can I meet my camper’s leader?
Guardians and campers can meet their leader on the Monday of each camp week. All camp leaders for the week will be present from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM at drop-off on Monday only.
Will the museum be taking pictures of campers?
Museum staff will periodically take photos of the exciting camp activities and excursions as well as group photos to share with campers at the end of the week and possibly in future museum materials. During the registration process you will be asked to consent to a photo release for your camper. If you choose not to consent we will make sure that staff are aware that they cannot take any photos of your camper.
Camper Needs/Safety
Can you give my camper medication?
Yes, if you fill out the medication form and turn it into the bellcamps@umn.edu at least 2 weeks ahead of time. You must fill out a new medication form for each camp.
Are your staff First Aid/CPR Certified?
Yes, all of our staff are First Aid and CPR certified. Each camp leader carries a First Aid Kit with a breathing barrier for CPR.
If my camper has a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) at their school should they have one at camp?
If your camper has a PCA at school and having one will help them follow rules and get more out of camp, please consider sending a PCA with them to camp. Unfortunately, we cannot provide PCA’s through our summer camp program. Let us know during the registration process if you plan to send a PCA with your camper.
What if my camper forgets a lunch or has a lunch with nuts?
We cannot allow campers to have lunches or snacks containing nuts. Guardians can either bring a new lunch or order a lunch to be delivered for their camper. We have found the best options for delivery are Jimmy John’s (they offer gluten and dairy free options). If your camper is in need of a lunch and our summer camp staff cannot cannot get in touch with your primary or secondary contact, we will order an appropriate lunch for your camper and you will be billed the associated charge.
Can I talk to the camp director about my camper’s needs before camp begins?
We greatly appreciate any information, suggestions or tips you would like to share with us. Filling out the registration form with as much detail as possible will give us the opportunity to prepare any special accommodations and give your camper the best experience possible. You are also welcome to email our summer camp team at bellcamps@umn.edu.
Where to students go for swimming during camp?
Students go swimming at Cooke Hall located in the Minneapolis Campus of UMN. It is a shallow (3.5′ -5′), heated (83-86 degrees) pool with ramp accessibility. There is always a lifeguard present as well as at least 2 other Camp Staff members. Campers must wear life jackets unless they can pass a swim test. The last week of August campers swim at the St. Paul Rec Center where there will also be a swim test, lifeguard and at least two other adults.
Camper Expectations
What are your behavior expectations?
We strive to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and inspires curiosity. Campers must be able to maintain appropriate language and actions, including keeping their hands to themselves, staying with the group, follow staff directions, and using respectful words to communicate their needs. A quiet space will be available to campers who need to take a break and calm down or recharge before returning to the group.
What does my camper need to bring on swimming or bowling day?
Swimming: If your camper is attending swimming during the week, then they should bring a swimsuit, towel, and a plastic bag (for wet suits and towels). They may also bring sandals, goggles, earplugs, nose plug or anything else they need to be comfortable swimming. If your camper is not a strong swimmer, they are also welcome to bring their own lifejacket.
Bowling: If you camper is attending bowling during the week, then they only need to wear or bring a pair of socks! They will be given rental bowling shoes to wear while they are at the bowling alley.
